Rutherford Island Preserve

A trail was built by DRA Trail Tamers during the summer of 2014 on this 15-acre property on Rutherford Island. A sign along West Side Road directs trail users to the trailhead.

The trail is “in and back” to a lookout over the Damariscotta River. An osprey nest is visible along the way, as are stone walls and other signs of historical agriculture.

The final leg of the trail to the shore crosses private property thanks to permission from the neighboring landowners. Please respect their gift of access by staying on the trail and limiting noise. There is a bench at the trail’s terminus which overlooks the mouth of the Damariscotta River.